Second pensioner dies from rare bug at city hospital

A SECOND elderly patient has died from a rare bug at the city's Liberton Hospital.

The 82-year-old died after developing Group A streptococcal infection in the hospital two weeks ago. It follows the death of an 86-year-old woman, who developed the infection at the same time.

Both had been inpatients in ward 4 in Liberton Hospital and as a precaution, infection control procedures were reinforced and still remain in place. The ward is not accepting new patients.

The illness is caused by a bacterium, which is usually found living harmlessly on the skin, nose or throat. The man had been treated with antibiotics, but developed further complications. Screening for staff and patients is also being undertaken to reduce the possibility of repeat infection.

Dr Dermot Gorman, a consultant in public health medicine with NHS Lothian, said: "Our thoughts are with the families of both patients at this difficult time.

"Patients in Liberton and their relatives can be reassured that all steps are being taken and that infection control measures have been reinforced to protect them, staff and visitors."

Two other patients have since been diagnosed with the infection in their blood and are both well following antibiotic treatment.

Tests are underway to establish the source and strains of the infection to determine if there is any link between all of the cases. All patients in ward four in Liberton and their relatives have been informed.